Portland Community College - Rise to Teach Program

Program Overview

The program is a partnership initiative between PCC, Portland State University (PSU), Portland Public Schools (PPS), and Beaverton School District (BSD). This is a scholarship/student support program with a special focus on recruiting individuals from historically underrepresented groups to the teaching profession. To receive application information, submit an interest form today!

The partnership provides an affordable college pathway that enables more historically underrepresented students to become credentialed teachers and meet the urgent workforce needs in K-12 education. Building on the successful foundations of the Portland Teachers Program that began in 1989, this program is committed to social justice, equity in education, and the development of culturally-responsive teachers with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will start their careers in Portland and Beaverton public schools.

The scholarships provide up to two years tuition-free at PCC. After successfully transferring to PSU, students would be provided tuition scholarships to complete their junior and senior years to earn their bachelor’s degree, and then scholarships to continue on to PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education Program to earn their master’s degree. After completing their degree and obtaining their teaching license, students will apply for a position at either PPS or BSD, and will commit to at least 3 years employment if hired. Scholarships are annually renewable, based on students meeting program requirements and available funding.

What does it mean to be a part of the Rise to Teach Program?

Beyond tuition scholarships, the program includes:

• Additional advising and academic support resources.
• Participation in a collaborative learning community and part of a supportive peer network. Students attend orientations, regularly scheduled workshops, and other program events.
• Development of professional skills and access to mentoring from experienced educators while a student.
• Leadership development and opportunities to gain deeper understanding of your own and others’ cultures and identities, antiracist and anti-bias practices, and knowledge of education equity work.
• Additional support in preparation for the job search process from PPS and BSD. 

Program eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a resident of Oregon and a U.S. citizen, has permanent resident status, or is a DACA recipient.
• Be enrolled or able to enroll as a full-time PCC student (students accepted in the program will need to be able to take a full-time student course load/minimum of 12 credits per term).
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED®.
• Have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA at the time of application. This will be the most current cumulative GPA if you have taken college courses; or your high school GPA if you have not attended college.
• Have some volunteer or paid experience working with children/teens, engaging with them in learning activities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to cross-cultural learning and equity in education.
• Have an interest in starting their career as a licensed teacher in Portland Public Schools or Beaverton School District after completing their degree program.

For more information on the program please visit the PCC website.